by Mark Swaine
“Servant, why is his portion much bigger than mine?” asks Akio.
“Because his belly is much larger,” says the servant looking up.
“And he has a much larger mouth,” adds another.
“That is debatable,” says Xiaojian sipping on a tankard of ale.
As everyone chuckles at Xioajian's glib remark, Xan Li ogles Zui from across the table.
“I feared for your safety after we parted ways,” says Xan Li holding his hand across the table.
“Who is wearing flowered scents? ‘Tis nose pleasing,” says Ling Long.
“So, Mǎkè, do you always require a suit of iron to protect you in combat?” asks Kamui Li snidely.
“Were he immortal he would not need one,” retorts Xan Li carefully.
“Mǎkè's craftsmanship is unparalleled to any other Blacksmith. He is a fucking genius and hailed in absolute regard for the work he has done for my people,” says Shaozu as he grabs a handful of rice and pounds it on his plate.
Shaozu looks around the faces at table, blissfully ignorant to their stares of surprise to his ill manner. Suddenly realising his rudeness, he looks away and begins eating with his hands.
“Chopstick?” asks Zui, holding up his latest range.
“What people do you speak of Shaozu? Where exactly are you stationed?” asks Major Lai.
“Here and there,” replies Shaozu as Yu-Huang gives him a sharp look.
“What people do you speak of?” asks Major Lai,
“What are you, a Monk? Why do you ask so many fucking questions?” says Shaouzu irately. “What manner of creation are you working on now Zui? I like your inventions,” says Shouzu eating loudly and changing the topic.
“I am working on something for that, look at it Shouzu, it is an amazing creature,” replies Mǎkè pointing to Yeman Ren.
“My name is... Yeman... Ren,” says the troll patiently.
“Yes, I meant Yeman Ren,” says Mǎkè apologetically. “Do you wish to know what I am building... just for you my fragrant free companion?” asks Mǎkè smugly,
“Surprise me,” says Yeman Ren, irked by his continuing references to his body odour. “I wore essence of flowers especially for today,”
“Pay no heed to him father, you smell like an autumn meadow,” says Xioajian lovingly.
“I think you smell like a wench,” says Akio.
“A wench with a meal twenty times bigger than yours,” says Yeman Ren licking his lips lasciviously.
Much to the amusement of the table’s occupants, laughter ensues as Yeman Ren taunts him with a large bite of said burger. Akio laughs in defeat before taking pleasure in the sight of the ten burgers on his plate, and tucks in without further pause. As the food keeps on coming, Yu-Huang smiles as he watches his company of friends enjoy some peace time, and then it happens again. Flashes of blood, clanging swords and images of people batter his mind. But this time was different, this time he sees people he thought lost to this life and gone from this world, and he smiles hopefully. Kamui Li sat beside Xian Li muses upon a missing guest.
“Where is this drunkard named Zui you spoke of. Was he not invited to the ceremony?” asks Kamui Li.
“He declined to attend. It is complicated,” replies Xian Li.
“How am I to eat this kind of food?” asks Xunsu, looking at the cheeseburger with her chopsticks at the ready.
“Use your hands young one,” says Yeman Ren displaying his huge fingers around his burger.
“Where is Wenyi?” asks Xiaojian.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Outside the Shinnen palace, Wenyi sits alone on a green hill staring at the green sash wrapped in his hand. Major Lai approaches and stands above him and exhales in pity and disappointment.
“Not hungry?” asks Major Lai.
“No,” replies Wenyi, disheartened. “What have I got myself into Major Lai?” huffs Wenyi.
“Some people are not built for a soldier’s life Tian Wu. Bravery is not a quality one can teach. All those who enlist in the Jade Order do so knowing they must give their lives for their country and leader. A Jade soldier embraces the possibility he will die in battle, he welcomes it with swords at the ready. Bravery is what drives a Jade soldier to glory, cowardice is what will ultimately make us weaker,”
“I am not brave, but nor am I a coward,” says Wenyi.
“The five hundred men you abandoned on the battlefield might disagree were they to discover the truth,” replies Major Lai sitting beside him.
“So tell them, I no longer care,” scowls Wenyi.
“No Wenyi, I am not going to tell them,” replies Major Lai.
“I thank you,” says Wenyi shamefully.
“Do not thank me. Revealing the truth of the matter would only make things worse, not only for you, but for my men. You have brought them hope, to reveal the true nature of events would only break their spirits,” says Major Lai.
“What should I do?” asks Wenyi.
“The question is, what will become of you Tian Wu? How will people remember you after you are gone from this life?” asks Major Lai. “Will you be known as Tian Wu the false Dragon Slayer, or Wenyi ?” asks the Major.
“I do not care how I am remembered, if I am being remembered then I am dead. I care not about honour. I care about surviving; I care about providing for my family, in one piece!” says Tian Wu.
“I, a soldier, would rather die with honour than live as a coward,” says Major Lai.
“I am not a soldier!” replies Tian Wu.
“Nor will you ever be, not while I serve. I will speak with the General and straighten this mess out,” says the Major standing to his feet and walking off. “What is it that you desire Tian Wu? I do not wish to see you angered solely by your act of cowardice,” says the Major.
“It was I who got him the post, he died because of me... and he is still down there,” says Tian Wu, smacking his fist into his palm.
“Wang Weo sacrificed his life for yours. What he did was an act of courage: he knew what he was doing, do not take that away from him,” says Major Lai.
“I want revenge on the beast that killed my friend. I want justice for Wang Weo's family,” says Tian Wu crossly.
“We all desire revenge on this beast of Darkness. All you can do now is provide Wang's family the support they need,” replies Major Lai.
“I am doing all I can for them, his family. But they need money, more money than I possess. I have already given them all I have saved, I cannot afford to continue feeding my family as well as his,” says Tian Wu in despair.
“You should know the day’s rate for working in the mountain sewers has tripled since the day I pulled you from that tunnel,” says the Major.
“You saved the wrong man that day Major,” replies Tian Wu.
“I do not believe that, and you need not join the Jade Order to honour your friend's memory. Why did you not speak out earlier? You first appeared willing to enlist in the Jade Order,” replies the Major.
“When the people hail me Dragon Slayer, ‘tis a title that means something... it seemed like a good idea at the time,” says Tian Wu.
“Dragon Slayer? Not one minute ago you claimed such titles are meaningless,” replies the Major.
“Titles mean wealth, security, a better place in society. With a name like Dragon Slayer I could raise enough currency to pay of my land and Wang Weo's. I cannot afford to continue feeding his family and work his land, I must do something and I must do it now,” says Tian Wu, holding his forehead.
“You believe the title Wenyi (Rat) holds no worth?” says the Major.
“Rats are snivelling, dirty, scavengers, bottom feeders like myself,” says Tian Wu.
“You are wrong, rats are intelligent, resourceful, instinctive creatures, and are great survivors,” says Major Lai. “Maybe I need not even speak with the General,”
“Of what do you speak, Major Lai?” asks Tian Wu.
“The workers are too afraid to enter the sewers after what hap
pened, but perhaps the great Dragon Slayer can show them they have nothing to fear,” suggests Major Lai.
“Nothing to fear? There is something down there Major, something other than giant rats,” says Wenyi.
“Whatever it is, it will be long gone by now, but should it return we must be prepared. Perhaps there is a way around this discomforting dilemma. I could keep you on as a Jade soldier, in the interest of supervising the paddlers of course, and in return you shall receive a handsome pay, not to mention the cowrie shells from the dragon carcass we sold,” says the Major.
“You sold the parts? For how much?” asks Tian Wu.
“Your share is one thousand cowrie shells, more than enough to ease your financial burden whilst keeping the Weo family fed for at least another year. But you could earn much more; all that is required is the courage to venture back to the place you fear the most. I will keep your secret, and I will never call on you to fight... believe me,” says the Major.
Wenyi laughs at his dry remark and ponders deeply on the Major's generous compromise.
“Thirty discharged soldiers have been dispatched to me from the Guàiwù region. They begin their labour five days from now, but they have no guide. Wenyi, you know the tunnels better than any other paddler,” says the Major.
“I am not afraid of going back into the tunnels. I will lead the workers, but I also wish to prepare the tunnels for another attack,” says Wenyi.
“What do you have in mind?” asks Major Lai, smiling with curiosity.
“I need access to explosives,” says Tian Wu firmly.
“I know just the man. Come, let us eat. I hear the kitchen has prepared a strange, foreign cuisine,” says Major Lai.
Wenyi and Major Lai take their places at the high table and Wenyi looks at Yu-Huang who had noticed him absent.
“Is all well and good soldier?” asks the Emperor.
“Yes my friend, all is well,” replies Wenyi enthusiastically. “Akio, you are a specialist in exploding fire, yes?” asks Wenyi.
“Yes, among other things,” replies Akio with pickles and a sweet red sauce dripping and dropping from the bottom of his burger.
“What other things?” scoffs Shun-Shiro condescendingly.
“Goldfish scooping,” quips Akio. “How can I be of service Tian Wu?” asks Akio, pouring him a jug of ale.
Tian Wu questions Akio regarding the nature of explosives and Akio is more than keen to pass on his extensive knowledge.
Mǎkè, who has calmed a great deal, does his best to get to know Xan Li better and notices Kamui Li eyeballing him. Feeling slightly left out with so many adults surrounding her, Xunsu reaches for a pot of ale. With a pair of crazy eyes and her tongue hanging gleefully loose, she begins pouring it into her tankard. Yu-Huang pries the jug from her grip and fills the rest of her tankard with fizzy lemonade to make her a heavily diluted shandy. Xunsu rolls her eyes then tastes the frothy shandy with surprised delight. Saving the rest, she bangs the base of her tankard on the table to attract the attention of the others. Raising her tankard high, she gives blessings to those close to her.
“To Shuang Jinfei, my Laoshi, and Mafeng, who cannot be here now with my new friends to enjoy this fine banquet,” says Xunsu.
“To Quon Kō, the best apprentice a Healer could ask for. May his spirit rest,” says Xiaojian.
“To my saviour, Wang Weo,” says Tian Wu raising his cup.
“To my brother, Akitaka Ishikawa,” says Akio raising his tankard.
“Thank Raijin for sparing me, and my family,” says Lu Ban gratefully raising his glass.
“To my brothers in arms, both man and troll who gave their lives,” says Shaozu.
“Shaozu, we have never crossed paths before today, where are you stationed,” asks Liu Chan curiously,
“What business is it of yours?” replies Shaozu before wiping his mouth on his sleeve.
Liu Chan shrugs uncaringly and brushes of Shaozu's arrogant reply and continues eating in silence, much to the General's concern. The General had noticed that Liu Chan had been preoccupied the past few days, distracted more so than usual, but not by his Cuju or new Wushu training. He seemed paranoid even, unsure or even untrusting of his surroundings, as if some great malevant force was ready to pounce on him from behind a bush.
“The food is good,” says the General in an attempt to create regular chat.
Liu Chan takes a bite out of his burger and nods in agreement with the General, and as he eats, he finds his eyes wandering around the room. As he watches the suns rays disappear, his distracted expression becomes uneasy, and he slowly looks at the General as if he wishes to tell him something.
“Something on your mind soldier?” asks the General quietly.
“No, tis nothing General,” replies Liu Chan, fearful of people knowing his troubles.
“To Wei Li, who I shall miss forging metal with. And Chao Gao, I shall miss him very much, not because he was so fat, but because he was the best cook in all the Huanghua territories and a valued customer,” says Mǎkè raising his tankard.
“ToMǎkè,” says Ling Long raising her tankard in her sleek shiny hand.
“To my sisters and brothers in arms who gave their lives and fought honourably. They are deserved of the highest respect...” says Xan Li, eyeballing the General intensely,”...Kampai (cheers),”
“To the Jade Order, may it grow ever stronger,” says Liu Chan raising his thick wide goblet.
“To my people, may they live their lives well and die well in battle,” says Yeman Ren, recounting an old traditional expression.
“To the many soldiers of the Jade Order who have given their lives, their sacrifice will not be forgotten...” says General Arachie quietly, “...Gānbēi (cheers),”.
“To Lian Qian, Peiyu of the Kang Fu gardens,” says Yu-Huang raising his clay pot of mead.
“To my fallen brothers,” says Chung Denshi, raising a goblet of wine.
“To...” says Kamui Li pondering thoughtfully, “...Anming, may her spirit rest,” decides Kamui Li, as his eyes focus on Chung Denshi's unsuspecting and surprised face.
Chung Denshi pauses with his lips in mid sip on the rim of his tankard, and he looks at Kamui Li with a short and struggled smile. Kamui Li backs off and Yeman Ren pretends to miss the exchange as he drinks from his barrel of ale.
“...how many do you require?” asks Akio.
“Fifty barrels to begin with,” replies Tian Wu.
“Where is the tea?” asks Kamui Li.
A long line of people pass the tea down to Xan Li and Kamui Li savours the herbal aroma before pouring some into a small cup.
“‘Tis not White Weed I'm afraid,” says Xan Li.
“White Weed or not, I make the best tea in all the realms,” says Shun-Shiro.
“That is a bold statement Shun-Shiro. I shall have to put your claim to the test,” says Lu Ban.
“Very well,” says Shun-Shiro haughtily.
Shun-Shiro delicately sets about straining a combination of herbs into a quaint tea pot passing it around the table.
“‘Tis nice,” says Lu Ban, “but not as nice as the crazy old man's,” muses Lu Ban.
Lu Ban's comment piques a few eyes and raises a few eyes, and Yu-Huang being especially interested, finally begs the question...
“What old man do you speak of?” he asks.
“...Nobody,” says Lu Ban hesitantly, suddenly aware of his slip-up. “An old foreign white man. ‘Tis nothing; I was merely jesting,” says Lu Ban, laughing slightly in embarrassment.
“A gaijin?” asks Akio in mid-bite.
“You Akio... you see him also?” asks Lu Ban.
“I see no gaijin during my sleep, not one, not even when I am awake,” lies Akio awkwardly.
“Enough silliness. Akio, I will have words with you after the banquet,” says Kamui Li casually.
“I wonder what possibly for...” says Akio sarcastically. “Speak your mind now brother and let the issue rest for I have an appointment with two
wonderful handmaidens later this evening,”
“Very well, you should feel ashamed for your earlier display of foolishness,” says Kamui Li firmly.
“Yet strangely, I do not,” replies Akio uncaringly whilst taking a large smiling bite of his sixth burger.